The RNC approved a resolution calling on democrats to 'stop pushing our country towards socialism.'

OXON HILL, Maryland (CNN) - The Republican National Committee on Wednesday approved a resolution calling on the Democratic Party to "stop pushing our country towards socialism and governmental control."

The wording of the resolution was tweaked to strike controversial language that would have called on Democrats to rename themselves the "Democrat Socialist party." That proposal was criticized by some members of the RNC, including party chairman Michael Steele, as embarrassing and counterproductive.

The language was changed so that RNC members "wouldn't have to fight about it," according to one of the resolution's original sponsors.

The 13-point "resolution recognizing the Democrats' march towards socialism," criticizes President Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress for passing a $787 billion stimulus package and favoring "massive government bailouts" of the financial, health care and mortgage industries.

The resolution accuses the Democratic Party of "implementing socialist programs through federal legislation" and being "dedicated to restructuring American society along socialist ideals."

"We were able to work out language that's before you that we think helps unify our party," said Henry Barbour, the chairman of resolutions committee. "This language more closely reflects the full sentiment of this body."

Steele did not address the resolution directly after it was passed by a verbal vote, but his aides distributed a statement to reporters.

"I am pleased that the committee adopted a resolution that focuses on the Democrats' policies and their destructive effects on America's economic engine, rather than attempting to rename our opponents," Steele said in the statement.

The resolution noted that RNC members defined socialism according to its definition in the American Heritage Dictionary.

The RNC approved three more resolutions. One commended Republican members of Congress for opposing "bailouts and reckless spending," another called on legislators to abandon the practice of earmarking, and a final resolution honored the memory of former Republican congressman Jack Kemp, who died earlier this month.

soundoff(123 Responses)

Donovan

The country is a disaster after 8 years of republican "rule". Now, instead of trying to help the situation, they're trying to score political points?!? Woe is the republican party. The Democrats will have an even LARGER majority after the next election cycle.

May 20, 2009 08:52 pm at 8:52 pm |

Gorbashov - Long Beach, Ca.

WE ARE ALL SOCIALISTS!

IF YOU SUPPORT SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE YOU ARE A SOCIALIST!

Enough childish name calling!

We have serious issues to deal with and it calls for serious discussion ffrom mature serious people.

RNC – can we grow up here?

The country needs your help!!!

May 20, 2009 08:54 pm at 8:54 pm |

jayjayaye Utah

Send in the clowns? Don't bother; they're already here.

May 20, 2009 08:55 pm at 8:55 pm |

Ed, Santa Fe, NM

Steele can shove it..... and probably has

May 20, 2009 08:57 pm at 8:57 pm |

Trang, Fremont, CA

So, what's new. Just more attacks. Nothing constructive.

May 20, 2009 08:58 pm at 8:58 pm |

Anonymous

Time for flag waving!

May 20, 2009 09:02 pm at 9:02 pm |

Cystem Phailure

What a bunch of little kids. Is it any wonder nothing important got solved when the GOP was in charge?

May 20, 2009 09:04 pm at 9:04 pm |

AKsteve

Time well spent. Write resolutions to put down your opponents instead of helping fix the country.

It's a pity the only ideas the Republicans can come up with is how to slam the opposition. Got any NEW ideas on energy policy, global warming, education, the war in Iraq/Afganistan, etc?

Just more irrelevant blather from the right.

May 20, 2009 09:05 pm at 9:05 pm |

Sanford

It looks like the RNC has a lot of spare time on their hands.

May 20, 2009 09:07 pm at 9:07 pm |

Ted Tartaglia

The Republics pushed the country to near bankruptcy and they love corporate welfare so why are they calling the Democrats socialists? It seems like the Republics favor socializing risk and privatizing profits. What a bunch of neanderthal hypocrites. No wonder only 21% of voters are willing to call themselves Republics.

May 20, 2009 09:20 pm at 9:20 pm |

Diane Dagenais Turbide

Ironic to read such words as destructive effects from the republicans since today people are experiencing the destructive effects of the past eight years.

May 20, 2009 09:22 pm at 9:22 pm |

Ted Tartaglia

I propose a new name for the Republican party that fits them much better than their current name. Rename them the RepubliCONS party.

May 20, 2009 09:23 pm at 9:23 pm |

Steve M

When is the RNC going to vote to rename the Republican Party the "National Socialist Party?" (NAZI)

May 20, 2009 09:26 pm at 9:26 pm |

gobama

Instead of complaining. why cant u come up with a better solution. dont say cut taxes for the rich. that doesnt work anymore

May 20, 2009 09:31 pm at 9:31 pm |

YJ

What a bunch of LOOSERS!!!!!!!!!!
They still don't get it, and I don't think they (the REPUBLICANS) won't ever understand that the ground "is slipping under their feet".
What a disconnect!!!!!!

May 20, 2009 09:34 pm at 9:34 pm |

President George Hussien Washington

Now they should condemn their Residence in Dixie Racism, Bigotry etc, etc, etc......

May 20, 2009 09:35 pm at 9:35 pm |

Angela

I pray that the Love of God will change the hearts of those that call themselves republicains. Can you just stop the fighting and come up with some ideas to help the americn people recover from this mess your party left. As an american I am not taking anything your party does serious.

May 20, 2009 09:38 pm at 9:38 pm |

jason, tx

The RNC doesn't know what socialism is. Maybe they need to read a political science book.

May 20, 2009 09:43 pm at 9:43 pm |

Greg in Denver

Idiots.

May 20, 2009 09:48 pm at 9:48 pm |

Barbara Campbell

The neocons are at it again. Nothing substantive. Nothing productive. It's scary to think that this venomous, divisive bunch of kooks are actually US legislators.

May 20, 2009 09:50 pm at 9:50 pm |

george marple

Wow. This is "doing the people's business," spending time and money pushing a resolution that amounts to name calling. GOP, your name is stoooooppppiddddd.

May 20, 2009 09:51 pm at 9:51 pm |

Bruce

I seem to remember that President Bush was a REPUBLICAN and he was the one that formulated the bail out for the financial and auto industries. As for the stimulus bill, the #1 item in it is TAX CUTS. Normally the Republicans would be loving that, but apparently not if it is Democrats that cut taxes – then it is "socialism."

May 20, 2009 09:56 pm at 9:56 pm |

bill

Joe McCarthy called everyone communist and it worked so this is nothing new. fact is bush economics got us into trouble because nobody was taking care of the store-no controls, let wall street do what they want, "everyone own their own home" even when they don't qualify for rent payments???? and who buys that paper??? and what does the banks do with all that profit???? in who's pocket.

May 20, 2009 10:00 pm at 10:00 pm |

Carol

March towards socialism because of the bailouts?

I quess they forgot about the first 800 billion dollar bank bail out and big three bail outs they approved under Bush.

The GOP, part of No.......answers and a whole lot of amnesia.

May 20, 2009 10:03 pm at 10:03 pm |

Lynn

Funny how the Repugs decide to spend so much time outlining who the Democrats are. You would think their time would be better spent figures out who THEY are!